Forecast Last Updated at Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 7:08AM

Cool for the Pools

Today shouldn't be as active as yesterday, thunderstorm-wise, but it won't be completely dry either. Scattered showers or t-showers will remain possible through early this evening. A cold front comes through tonight bringing a cooler and drier airmass to the area for your Memorial Day weekend. Near-record lows will be possible Saturday morning. The rest of the weekend should stay dry and pleasant for the most part. Early next week, t-storm chances return along with warming temps.

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Thursday Hi: 81 Lo: 55 Patchy AM fog, otherwise mostly to partly cloudy; Scattered showers & t-showers; SW wind 5-15 mph, becoming NW at night

Friday Hi: 71 Lo: 41 Becoming mostly sunny; Not as warm; NW wind 10-20 mph (gusts to 35 mph possible)

Saturday Hi: 74 Lo: 45 Mostly sunny; Light north wind

Sunday Hi: 76 Lo: 51 Partly cloudy

Monday Hi: 78 Lo: 57 Partly cloudy for Memorial Day; Slight chance of a shower or t-shower

Further Out

Tuesday - Scattered clouds; An isolated shower or t-storm possible; High near 80 degrees; Low in the upper 50s
Wednesday - Scattered clouds; An isolated shower or t-storm possible; High in the lower 80s; Low near 60 degrees

Forecast Discussion

After an active day yesterday, today should be a bit more tame in the t-storm department. That doesn't mean it will be completely dry, though. A few locations have already seen a few showers early this morning and additional scattered showers or t-storms will be possible this afternoon. But, the coverage should be less than yesterday. Like yesterday, any storm that forms could be on the strong side with gusty winds and maybe some hail. Although, the threat looks lower than yesterday.

A slow-moving cold front that stretches from the Great Lakes to western TN this morning will get a bigger push this afternoon. This will help speed the front up some with a passage through the area expected this evening. That front will usher in an unseasonably cooler airmass for the weekend. How many times have we heard that this Spring!? Friday will be the coolest day with highs only expected to be in the low 70's...about 5-10 degrees below normal. It will be breezy as well with gusts up to 35 mph possible. At night, the winds will begin to decrease which will allow for near record lows in spots (see the record lows in jeopardy below).

The rest of the Memorial Day weekend looks to stay dry with slowly moderating temperatures (although, it will still remain below normal through Sunday).

Next week, a warm front will approach the area from the SW and potentially stall near or just north of the area. With the front nearby, afternoon chances of showers and t-storms will begin to go back up once again. Temperatures should warm back to normal as well.

RECORD LOWS FOR SATURDAY MORNING

Hickory: 45 (2005)
North Wilkesboro: 40 (1967)

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